Israel forms “Elderly Battalion” amid war fatigue and manpower crisis

In response to the ongoing manpower crisis, the Israeli army has, for the first time, approved the formation of a new reserve battalion composed of older recruits. This unit will include individuals aged 50 to 55 and is intended to carry out border defense missions.

According to the i24 News website, the Israeli Military’s Planning Directorate approved the official establishment of a new infantry reserve battalion named “Atsmon”. The battalion has been formally activated and will take on defensive tasks in border areas.

Hebrew-language sources report that planning for this unit began at the start of the current war, but has only now entered the implementation phase. It is estimated that over 3,000 former army personnel aged 50 to 55 will be organized into this unit. Even older individuals will be accepted into command positions.

In its initial phase, the Atsmon Battalion will undergo structural training, after which it will operate in smaller units under the command of the Home Front Command, participating in active operations.

Some analysts view this move as a clear sign of a deepening personnel crisis within the Israeli army — a topic that has also faced widespread criticism domestically. Reflecting this sentiment, Meirav Cohen, a Knesset member from the Yesh Atid party, wrote on social media platform X:

“They’re forming a battalion for men over 50, while allowing 80,000 Haredi youth aged 18 to 26 to evade military service. This is yet another part of the legacy of the October 7th government — the government of draft dodgers.”